Joseph Nye, a professor at Harvard University, remarked on Sino-US relations during an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News. According to Yu Sui, Professor Nye’s stance on the United State’s position on the Diaoyu Islands and China’s current diplomatic policies sparked controversy as Professor Nye’s viewpoint is viewed as ethnocentric and ignorant of China’s history.

President Obama wrapped up his four Asian nation trip last week, which was an effort to promote America’s “rebalance” to the region. Viewed by many in the region as unsuccessful, the trip did not put the fears of the allies at rest, and may actually prove to be inflammatory to the region if the US continues to contain a rising China.

President Barack Obama’s recent trip redefined the United States as “an Asia Pacific nation” that seeks to reassert its leadership in the region. The rhetoric as well as defense pacts with nations like the Philippines demonstrates the pivot towards the Asia Pacific and the revival of “Manifest Destiny” throughout the Asia-Pacific that seeks to not cooperate, but dominate the region.

At the conclusion of President Obama’s four country tour, US foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific seemingly remains unchanged. Promoted as an attempt to bolster relations with allies, many saw the trip as lackluster and devoid of results. While the Obama administration will tout the visit’s success, Mel Gurtov expresses his hope for a more innovative approach in the future.

President Barack Obama’s recent trip to meet with Asian allies was an attempt to reassure allies that they still have US support. In particular, President Obama’s rhetoric regarding the Diaoyu Islands has been seen as inflammatory for the region, however, his statements were simply lip service to Japan in exchange for economic concessions.

Bi-lateral and multi-lateral Free Trade Agreements are becoming increasingly important in maximizing regional and international trade. Due to the immense size of China, South Korea and Japan’s economies, it is important that all three negotiate and develop a China-South Korea-Japan Free Trade Area. Increased trade between the three will lead to increases in the size of all of their economies.

The US and Philippines have developed a close military relationship in recent years that the Chinese fear is an attempt to entrap or counter their influence in the region. Recent aggressive moves by the Philippines over territorial disputes have caused China to fear that this relationship will cause greater tensions in the region, and between the US and China.

President Obama's trip to Asia is an important event in the administration's "pivot" or "rebalancing" to Asia. While the pivot may be difficult, all sectors of American and Asian society will be integral in developing the bond that will make this rebalancing successful.

The crisis in Ukraine is geopolitically important for the US; however, it will not derail the US “pivot” to Asia-Pacific. The US will continue to “pivot” towards Asia-Pacific through increased troop deployments, an increased role in conflict mediation, as well as through the promotion of stronger regional alliances in an attempt to contain a growing China.

Wu Zurong urges President Obama to encourage Japan to refrain from its path of reviving militarism and instead to seek solutions through peaceful negotiations.